Filter plate and frame and method of making

Abstract

A wrought metal single piece filter outlet plate or inlet frame, which is weld free in the liquid contact areas and sealing surface areas. The frame is used as an inlet frame or as an outlet plate for a horizontal or vertical type filter unit. The support ears on the sides of the plate and frame are an integral part of the wrought plate or frame, welded to the plate or frame or attached to the plate or frame utilizing any number of fasteners. Advantageously, the filter elements may be mounted in a filter press assembly at an angle to increase drainage.

1 - 5 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         6 . A method of producing a filter element for a filter press assembly, said method comprising the steps of: 
 forming a plate of uniform thickness having parallel extending opposed upper and lower surfaces, and    cutting a filter element from the plate in the absence of generation of heat so as to maintain the uniform thickness of the cut filter element.    
     
     
         7 . A method as claimed in claim  1 , wherein a plurality of filter elements are cut from the plate.  
     
     
         8 . A method as claimed in claim  1 , wherein the filter element is cut by one of water jet, laser, wire electro-discharge machining, plasma and CDC machining.  
     
     
         9 . A filter element for use as one of an inlet frame and an outlet plate of a filter press assembly, said filter element comprising: 
 a unitary, integral body having a uniform thickness devoid of surface irregularities when first formed and defining an interior opening with one port to be used as one of a process inlet and a process outlet.    
     
     
         10 . A filter element as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein opposed ear supports are part of the unitary, integral body.  
     
     
         11 . A filter element as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein support projections project into the interior opening and are part of the unitary, integral body.